Suprabal Janasewashree General Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) of the Nepali Army, began a pivotal official visit to India, marking a significant step in enhancing defence ties between the two nations. The four-day visit, scheduled from December 11 to 14, aims to strengthen bilateral military cooperation and explore new opportunities for collaboration.
On the first day, General Sigdel laid a wreath at the National War Memorial in New Delhi and was accorded a Guard of Honour at South Block Lawns. He then met his Indian counterpart, General Upendra Dwivedi, COAS, Indian Army, and was briefed on India’s security strategy and defence industry developments by senior officials, including the Director General Strategic Planning and the Additional Director General of the Army Design Bureau. He also held discussions with key dignitaries, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
A highlight of the visit will take place on December 12, when General Sigdel will be conferred with the honorary rank of General of the Indian Army by President Droupadi Murmu, a longstanding tradition symbolizing the special ties between the Indian and Nepali armies. He will also meet Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and host a reciprocal lunch at the Embassy of Nepal. Later, General Sigdel will plant a commemorative sapling at the Manekshaw Centre before departing for Pune.
The following days will focus on engagements with India’s defence industry in Pune, where he will witness a static equipment display and interact with representatives. He will then travel to the Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun to review the Passing Out Parade of Gentleman Cadets, including two cadets from the Nepali Army. General Sigdel will address the newly commissioned officers, present awards, and participate in ceremonial activities.
On December 14, General Sigdel will visit Ayodhya to pay homage at the Shri Ram Mandir before returning to New Delhi for a formal dinner hosted by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. He will conclude his visit on December 15, departing for Kathmandu.
The visit underscores the deep-rooted military cooperation between India and Nepal and seeks to explore new areas of partnership, reinforcing the strong bonds between the two countries.
